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Police recover 130 sovereigns from thief

In a major breakthrough, the Madurai District Police arrested Manikandan alias ‘Minnal’ Mani, of Narimedu here and recovered over 130 sovereigns of gold jewellery, a two-wheeler and some tools used for committing robbery in Madurai, Pudukottai and Chennai.

Superintendent of Police V. Balakrishnan told reporters that a team led by Oomachikulam station Inspector M. Muthukumar intercepted a person during a vehicle check. When asked to produce the registration certificate of the vehicle, he fumbled. When questioned he confessed to having stolen the vehicle.

He was frisked and this resulted in the recovery of 26 sovereigns of gold jewels. He was remanded in judicial custody on November 10.

In the meanwhile, the police discovered that Manikandan had a history of crimes and took him into custody. His interrogation over the last three days resulted in the recovery of another 107 sovereigns of jewels.

The team found that Manikandan was married to the niece of gangster ‘Vellai’ Ravi, who was killed in a police encounter in Chennai a few years ago.

Mr. Balakrishnan said that Manikandan had thrice been detained under the Goondas Act. There were criminal cases pending against him in Madurai City, Madurai District, Pudukottai, Karur and Chennai City, including murder, attempt to murder and assault on police personnel. For non-appearance in courts, warrants were pending against him.

Manikandan used to rob valuables from locked dwellings. During day time, he would carry out a survey and strike at night by breaking open the front door. After committing the offence, he would flee to Puducherry, where he had taken a bungalow on rent.

He had purchased brand new gold ornaments for his family members on exchange schemes offered by leading jewellery stores in Madurai and Chennai.